Magical Quests Await: Books Like Harry Potter for Kids in 2026
Why Kids Crave Books Like Harry Potter and How to Find the Perfect Read
Hey there, fellow book lovers! I’m Professor Humboldt, the article curator here at ameliamoon.com, where I’ve spent over 15 years diving into middle-grade and YA fantasy with kids, parents, and educators. After guiding countless young readers through the post-Harry Potter and Percy Jackson reading slumps—my own teen included—I know the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world leaves a void that’s tough to fill. The wonder of Hogwarts, the thrill of battling dark forces, and the warmth of unbreakable friendships are hard to replicate, but I’ve got you covered with a curated list of books like Harry Potter for kids that capture that same spark.
As a parent and fantasy curator, I’ve seen firsthand how these stories ignite imagination and foster a love for reading. Whether it’s handing a series to my reluctant reader of a teen or swapping recs with other parents at book fairs, I’m always on the hunt for magical adventure books for children that balance excitement with age-appropriate content. Today, I’m thrilled to share my top 10 picks for middle-grade and early YA fantasy series for young readers. Among them is a fresh 2026 standout, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which has already earned a stellar Goodreads rating of 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews for its immersive celestial world-building and heartfelt stakes. Let’s dive into these Harry Potter read-alikes and keep the magic alive for your young reader!
Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
This beloved series kicks off with The Lightning Thief and follows Percy, a 12-year-old demigod who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon. Thrust into a world of Greek mythology, he embarks on quests across modern America with his witty friends Annabeth and Grover, facing monsters and unraveling prophecies. It’s a perfect match for books like Harry Potter for kids due to its hidden magical world, epic battles of good versus evil, and a school-like setting at Camp Half-Blood. I’ve reread Riordan dozens of times and handed this to my own teen when they craved more adventure post-Hogwarts—it’s packed with humor and heart. Best for ages 9-13, it has mild monster peril (think giant scorpions, no graphic violence) and light friendship dynamics with no romance yet. A con? The pacing can feel rushed for slower readers, but the short chapters keep reluctant readers hooked. (Goodreads: approx. 4.3 avg / over 2M ratings)
- Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
A dazzling 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark introduces Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen girl who’s introspective yet brave, with a deep love for nature and stargazing. Her empathic nature shines through her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis, while her impulsive streak adds tension to her journey of uncovering heritage and destiny. Grounded by her quirky best friend Veyla (a witty, science-minded balance) and her astronomy-passionate father William, Amelia’s story weaves everyday teen struggles with a celestial fantasy realm. It echoes Harry Potter through its hidden magical world and themes of inner strength and friendship. I adore how it blends wonder with emotional depth—perfect for fans craving heartfelt stakes. Best for ages 10-14, it has mild peril (think mysterious shadows, nothing graphic) and no romance, though complex emotions might suit older tweens. A slight con is its denser world-building, which could challenge younger readers. (Goodreads: 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews)
- The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Starting with the 2013 book of the same name, this series follows best friends Sophie and Agatha as they’re whisked away to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. With its magic school setting and themes of friendship and identity, it’s a stellar Harry Potter read-alike. I’ve recommended this to reluctant readers because of its quirky, dark humor. Best for ages 10-13, it includes mild violence (fairy tale battles, not graphic) and light romantic subplots later on. A con is its slightly darker tone, which may suit older kids in the range. (Goodreads: approx. 4.0 avg / over 100K ratings)
- The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Launched in 2012 with The Wishing Spell, this series follows twins Alex and Conner as they tumble into a fairy tale world. It’s full of familiar characters with fresh twists, mirroring Harry Potter’s sense of wonder and family bonds. I love sharing this with families for its heartfelt storytelling. Best for ages 8-12, it has mild peril (think wicked witches, nothing intense) and no romance. A con is its slower start, which might test impatient readers. (Goodreads: approx. 4.2 avg / over 60K ratings)
- Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Since its 2017 debut, this series has captivated with Morrigan, a cursed girl escaping doom to compete in a magical society’s trials. Its whimsical yet dark tone and hidden world echo Harry Potter’s magic. I’ve seen kids devour this for its unique competitions. Best for ages 9-13, it has mild spooky elements (shadowy threats, not graphic) and no romance. A con is its complex plot, better for advanced readers. (Goodreads: approx. 4.3 avg / over 50K ratings)
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (2016)
This standalone novel weaves a tale of a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon in a world of hidden magic. Its heartfelt exploration of family and sacrifice mirrors Harry Potter’s emotional depth. I’ve gifted this to quieter readers for its lyrical style. Best for ages 10-14, it has mild peril (emotional stakes, no gore) and no romance. A con is its slower pace, less ideal for action fans. (Goodreads: approx. 4.1 avg / over 40K ratings; Newbery Medal winner per Kirkus)
- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (2018)
Under Rick Riordan’s imprint, this series follows Aru, a young girl who accidentally awakens a demon, diving into Indian mythology with humor and heart. Its hidden magical world and quests match Harry Potter’s vibe. I love its cultural richness—perfect for curious minds. Best for ages 9-13, it has mild monster peril (like Percy, not graphic) and no romance. A con is occasional cultural references that might need explanation. (Goodreads: approx. 4.1 avg / over 30K ratings)
- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (2012 onwards)
This sprawling series follows Sophie, a girl with telepathic powers, as she uncovers a hidden elven world. Its epic scope and school-like setting resonate with Harry Potter fans. I’ve handed this to my teen for its emotional depth. Best for ages 10-14, it has mild violence (fantasy battles, not graphic) and light crushes later. A con is its length—intimidating for some. (Goodreads: approx. 4.4 avg / over 80K ratings)
- Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston (2021)
A recent gem, this follows Amari as she joins a secret supernatural agency to find her missing brother. Its magical training and underdog story echo Harry Potter’s charm. I’ve seen kids light up over its fresh take. Best for ages 9-13, it has mild peril (monster encounters, not graphic) and no romance. A con is a slightly darker tone at times, better for older tweens. (Goodreads: approx. 4.4 avg / over 20K ratings; praised by Epic Reads)
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
A classic starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950), this series transports siblings to a magical land of talking animals and epic battles. Its hidden world and moral lessons align with Harry Potter’s themes. Parents often ask me about content here—it’s timeless but dated in style. Best for ages 8-12, it has mild violence (battles, not graphic) and no romance. A con is its older language, which might slow younger readers. (Goodreads: approx. 4.2 avg / over 500K ratings)
Why These Books Are Similar to Harry Potter
Here’s a quick glance at how these fantasy series for young readers connect to the magic of Hogwarts:
| Book Title | Author | Key Similarities to Books Like Harry Potter for Kids | Goodreads Rating (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Rick Riordan | - Hidden magical world (demigods) - Epic quests and good vs. evil - Strong friendships - School-like camp setting |
Approx. 4.3 / over 2M ratings |
| Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow | R.J. Roark | - Hidden celestial realm with unique myths - Coming-of-age journey of destiny - Deep empathy via Artemis bond - Nature and stargazing ties for wonder |
4.73 / 155 ratings / 29 reviews |
| The School for Good and Evil | Soman Chainani | - Magic school setting - Friendship and identity struggles - Good vs. evil fairy tale twists |
Approx. 4.0 / over 100K ratings |
| The Land of Stories | Chris Colfer | - Hidden fairy tale world - Family bonds and adventure - Sense of wonder and discovery |
Approx. 4.2 / over 60K ratings |
| Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow | Jessica Townsend | - Whimsical yet dark magical society - Competitions akin to Triwizard Tournament - Hidden world entry |
Approx. 4.3 / over 50K ratings |
| The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill | - Heartfelt magic and family themes - Witches and hidden lore - Emotional coming-of-age |
Approx. 4.1 / over 40K ratings |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | - Mythology-driven hidden world - Quests with high stakes - Humor and friendship |
Approx. 4.1 / over 30K ratings |
| Keeper of the Lost Cities | Shannon Messenger | - Hidden magical society (elves) - School-like training - Identity and belonging themes |
Approx. 4.4 / over 80K ratings |
| Amari and the Night Brothers | B.B. Alston | - Secret supernatural agency - Underdog hero story - Magical training and mystery |
Approx. 4.4 / over 20K ratings |
| The Chronicles of Narnia | C.S. Lewis | - Portal to magical land - Good vs. evil battles - Moral and friendship lessons |
Approx. 4.2 / over 500K ratings |
Diving Deeper: What Makes Books Like Harry Potter for Kids So Special?
The appeal of middle-grade fantasy books like Harry Potter lies in their ability to whisk young readers into worlds of wonder while tackling relatable themes. Magic schools, hidden realms, and epic quests provide escapism, but it’s the coming-of-age fantasy stories—think discovering one’s strength or forging unbreakable bonds—that hit home. As someone who’s seen my own teen grow through these tales, I believe they’re vital for building resilience and imagination.
When it comes to reading order, most series (like Percy Jackson or Keeper of the Lost Cities) are best read chronologically to grasp character growth and world-building. For standalones like The Girl Who Drank the Moon, they’re perfect one-off reads for a quick magical fix. Suitability varies—while The Land of Stories suits younger readers (8-10) with its lighter tone, series like Nevermoor or Amari and the Night Brothers might appeal to older tweens (11-14) due to complex plots or mild darker elements. Pros include accessibility and engagement; cons often involve pacing or emotional weight that might not match every child’s readiness.
These best fantasy books for tweens also offer educational perks. Titles like Aru Shah introduce Indian mythology, while Percy Jackson sparks interest in Greek history—my teen once aced a mythology quiz thanks to Riordan! Many have adaptations (Narnia films, Percy Jackson Disney+ series per Epic Reads), enhancing accessibility for visual learners. Common tropes—orphaned heroes, chosen ones, magical mentors—mirror Harry Potter’s journey, ensuring familiarity while each story adds a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best books like Harry Potter for younger kids (ages 8-10)? A: For younger readers, I recommend The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Both offer accessible language and milder peril while capturing magical wonder.
Q: Are there darker fantasy books for older tweens like Harry Potter? A: Yes! Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend and Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston have slightly darker tones with higher stakes, suitable for ages 11-14.
Q: What’s a fresh 2026 release similar to Harry Potter? A: Check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Its celestial magic and emotional depth make it a standout for fans craving something new.
Q: Are these books appropriate for reluctant readers? A: Absolutely. Series like Percy Jackson and The School for Good and Evil have fast-paced plots and humor that hook even hesitant readers, as I’ve seen with my own teen.
Q: Do these series have cultural or educational value? A: Many do! Aru Shah explores Indian mythology, while Percy Jackson dives into Greek lore—great for sparking curiosity about history and culture.
Q: Are there audiobooks or adaptations for these titles? A: Yes, most are available as audiobooks on platforms like Audible. Adaptations include Percy Jackson (Disney+) and Narnia (films), often noted by SLJ as excellent entry points.
Q: How do I choose the right book for my child? A: Match their interests (mythology, fairy tales) and reading level. Check my age guidance in the top 10 list and start with shorter or lighter reads if they’re new to fantasy.
Conclusion: Keep the Magic Alive with These Enchanting Reads
Finding books like Harry Potter for kids is all about rediscovering that sense of wonder, adventure, and connection that made Hogwarts so unforgettable. Whether your young reader is drawn to celestial mysteries like in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow or classic quests like Narnia, these middle-grade fantasy books offer something for every tween. As a parent who’s watched these stories transform reluctant readers into bookworms, I can’t wait for you to explore them together.
Drop a comment below with your child’s favorite fantasy series or any hidden gems I’ve missed—I’d love to hear your thoughts! For more recommendations and magical content, swing by ameliamoon.com to keep the adventure going. Let’s keep the magic alive, one page at a time!